Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding your MTSU application for a Tennessee Teacher License:
How long does it take to get my license? It usually takes about six to eight weeks to receive your application in the mail from the State Department of Education, once it has been mailed from the MTSU Teacher Licensure Office. You may mail the application to us at MTSU Teacher Licensure, P.O. Box 93, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. If you prefer, you are welcome to hand deliver your application to Lashonda Harris in the MTSU Teacher Licensure Office, Learning Resource Center, Room 175, between 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
When should I apply for the license? Students seeking a degree should apply for the license during their final semester before graduation by the following deadline dates:
May graduates must submit an application by the first Friday in March.
August graduates must submit an application by the first Friday in June.
December graduates must submit an application by the first Friday in October.
Post-Baccalaureate students and those seeking additional endorsements or amendments to their licenses should apply for their license during the final semester of course work at MTSU.
Why should I turn in my application before I graduate? Once we have received your application and NTE scores, we can type your application form and request the Records Office to release your transcripts to us as soon as all grades are posted (and any applicable academic degree). In other words, your name will be on a list for transcripts as soon as they become available. The sooner your request is in the Licensure Office during your final semester at MTSU, the sooner we can forward your application. Please note, however, that we must wait until you are actually graduated or all grades are posted, if these are requirements for your license, before your application is complete. Don’t let a parking fine or some other financial encumbrance in the Business Office hold up the processing of your application.
How do I know if my application was forwarded to the State Department of Education? If there is a problem that precludes recommending you for the endorsement(s) you seek, the MTSU Licensure Office will write to you requesting further information. An incomplete application will not be forwarded to the State Department of Education. If you requested more than one endorsement on your application, only the endorsement(s) that is (are) completely fulfilled will be processed.
Where can I find an application for Teacher Licensure? Students who are student teaching will find a copy of the application in the back of the Student Teaching Handbook. Alternatively, this web site has a copy of the MTSU license application form, which can be downloaded. You may also contact the Office of Teacher Licensure at (615) 898-2877 and request that one be mailed to you, or you may write to us at Middle Tennessee State University, Office of Teacher Licensure, P.O. Box 93, Murfreesboro, TN 37132.
Should I apply for a Tennessee Teacher License even though I do not intend to teach in Tennessee? Yes. You are strongly encouraged to seek licensure in Tennessee as soon as you have fulfilled all licensure requirements, even if you do not plan to teach right away or if you plan to teach in another state. Tennessee licensure requirements do tend to change over time and one must fulfill all current licensure requirements. What may be a complete program now may be an incomplete or an obsolete program in future years.
I would like to add an endorsement to my Tennessee teacher license. How can I do that?
Once you have been granted an initial license from the Tennessee State Department of Education, you may seek an additional endorsement to your license. A formal program of study will be prepared for you in the Office of Teacher Licensure by analyzing your transcripts and teaching credentials. You may download a Request for a Transcript Analysis form from this Web site, or you are welcome to call the Teacher Licensure Office at (615) 898-2877 to request a copy of this form.
Any other questions about licensure? The Licensure Office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Our office is located in the Learning Resource Center, Room 175. Our telephone number is (615) 898-2877. We will be happy to assist you.